NTT Police Chief: West Manggarai Satpolairud Will Be Effective In Ordering Violations And Keeping Labuan Bajo Waters Safe

NTT Police Chief Inspector General Johanis Asadoma confirmed the West Manggarai Police Unit (Satpolairud) in Labuan Bajo, NTT, Wednesday (2/11/2022). (ANTARA/Fransiska Mariana Nuka)

LABUAN BAJO - East Nusa Tenggara Police Chief Inspector General Johanis Asadoma said he was committed to maintaining the security of the Labuan Bajo waters through the presence of the Water and Air Police Unit (Satpolairud) of the West Manggarai Police.

"With this Satpolairud, control operations will be more effective because it is directly under the command of the Chief of Police. This is one of our targets to curb violations at sea," said the man who is familiarly called Johni to reporters after inaugurating the Water and Air Police Unit of the West Manggarai Police, Labuan Bajo, Wednesday, November 2nd.

The presence of the Polairud Unit under the command of the West Manggarai Police is a strategic decision by the National Police Chief to build a National Police that is ready to serve the community anywhere.

Johni said the presence of the Polairud Unit would make a major contribution in maintaining security and order in the marine area, including providing protection and seeking help to communities affected by disasters.

"With this Satpolairud, the task of the police, both in maintaining security and social order at sea, law enforcement at sea, protection, shelter, and service at sea will be better. Of course other marine violations will be prioritized," said Johni affirmed.

Johni hopes that the personnel can provide the best service to the people in the waters, fishermen, communities, and tourists both domestic and foreign.

He also hopes for collaboration and synergy with the local government, TNI, religious leaders, community leaders, and all other stakeholders to support water security in Labuan Bajo.

"Hopefully because there are big events here, especially the ASEAN Summit next year, we propose to Headquarters for additional personnel here," he hoped.

West Manggarai Regent Edistasius Endi who was present at the Inauguration of the Water and Air Police Unit (Satpolairud) of the West Manggarai Police gave his appreciation for the support of the NTT Police to secure water areas and support Labuan Bajo tourism.

According to him, the presence of the West Manggarai Police Satpolairud is very strategic because Labuan Bajo has been designated as one of the super-priority tourism destinations in Indonesia.

With the super-priority predicate, Labuan Bajo is required to provide service guarantees to visiting tourists.

The regent, who is familiarly called Edi Endi, also hopes for good cooperation between the local government and the police to support the security of Labuan Bajo tourism.

"We are required to ensure that tourists feel comfortable while traveling in this place, including how the state, especially the police, is present when an accident occurs when traveling at sea; the police are here to save the body and soul of the person affected by the disaster," said the regent.